Rhodes-Vivour, others bemoan dredging in Makoko, flooding risks

The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has warned that the ongoing sand-filling of Makoko settlement that is reportedly claiming natural water bodies could lead to catastrophic flooding across Lagos Mainland.

In a chat with The Guardian, yesterday, he stated: “The reckless sand-filling of our water bodies and wetlands is the prime reason for the flooding of Lagos.”

The politician emphasised that the current development plans could trigger “massive flooding of the Lagos Mainland Local Council.”

Rhodes-Vivour warned: “The situation in Makoko represents a broader pattern of development that prioritises land reclamation over environmental sustainability. Critics argue that these practices not only threaten the physical safety of Lagos residents, but also risk displacing established communities that have lived in harmony with these water bodies for generations.”

However, the sand-filling activities in Makoko, a historic waterfront community known for its distinctive stilt houses, have sparked concerns among environmental experts and urban planners.

The operations, typically conducted to create new developable land, are increasingly being scrutinised for their environmental impact.

Some environmental scientists, who aligned with Rhodes-Vivour, noted that wetlands and water bodies serve as natural drainage systems that prevent flooding.

They warned that by filling these areas, Lagos risks disrupting natural water flow patterns that have historically protected the city from severe flooding.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that community leaders have expressed reservations over the immediate and long-term implications of the development, as many fear that the move could lead to displacement of thousands of residents, while simultaneously increasing flooding risks for the entire Lagos Mainland area.